Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues Essay

The â€Å"Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues† simulation explored the factors one must consider when an American corporation enters an international contractual relationship with a foreign business partner. The issues presented are as follows: What are the issues involved in resolving legal disputes in international transactions? The legal issues involved in resolving legal disputes in international transactions are the selection of which set of laws to follow and the forum used for dispute resolution. Specificity used in writing international contracts provides a clear structure for resolving potential legal issues. When defining the set of laws to follow in an agreement, one’s selection must consider the respective laws and regulations of the countries of origin for both companies as well as the involvement of any multi-national organizations such as the World Trade Organization, also known as the WTO. When selecting a forum, one must select between local courts of either business partner or international arbitration, either binding or non-binding. See more:  Perseverance essay What are some practical considerations of taking legal action against a foreign business partner based in another country? Local political climate, impact to future business, length of time for proceedings, and effect on local public goodwill are practical considerations when deciding on whether to take action against a foreign business partner. These factors will decide if the potential financial gain of such a move will outweigh the long term financial, ethical, and legal impact to all parties involved. Additionally, one must consider possible intervention from the American or foreign governments as well as prevailing international organizations. What factors could work against CadMex’s decision to grant sublicensing agreements? Deciding to sublicense the production of CadMex’s drugs creates potential concerns of quality, time, and costs. CadMex must ensure it protects the quality of generic versions of its products by sublicensed manufacturers. Both CadMex and the local companies in companies must review the costs involved with establishing manufacturing in Candore. CadMex has the additional responsibility of factoring the cost of sublicensing to its earnings. Finally, the time needed to establish sublicensing agreements and local manufacturing may be an obstacle to success in this arrangement. When the local customs and laws conflict with the customs and laws of an organization operating abroad, which should prevail? Explain why. Situation dictates whether local customs and laws or the laws and customs of an organization operating abroad will prevail during a conflict. This is due to the potential impact of any legal action to the companies involved, the local population, and the governments of both organizations. In the â€Å"Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues† simulation, CadMex was required to consider local religious practices, the potential impact of a union strike and lawsuit, as well as any potential violation of American labor laws. How would you compare the issues in this simulation to the domestic legal issues discussed in your Week One readings? How should companies resolve domestic and international issues differently? The Week One readings reviewed the advantages and concerns with arbitration compared to litigation as a forum for resolving domestic legal issues in business. When resolving international issues, the laws of both countries affect which forum provides the best resolution, although international arbitration is recommended to avoid bias in local courts or the time and expense involved with litigation in either country. References Apollo Group, Inc. (2004). Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues . Retrieved October 12, 2013, from University of Phoenix eCampus: https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/vendors/tata/UBAMSims/business_law1/busine ss_law1_intl_legal_ethical_simulation. html Melvin, S. P. (2011). The Legal Environment of Business: A Managerial Approach: Theory to Practice. . New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Family Nursing Diagnosis Essay

A patient is considered to be individual and unique in his or her own way, a family is one and distinctive within a community (Christianson, Powell, Huhn, & Blanton, 2012). According to Stanhope and Lancaster (2012), a family nursing assessment identifies family problem areas and family strengths that help build for interventions to maintain health. In providing a family with nursing diagnoses, utilization of appropriate family assessment tool would be of benefit (Christianson, Powell, Huhn, & Blanton, 2012). A.T. is a 36 year old Caucasian female who is 5 feet 3 inches and weighs 180 pounds. A. T. has two chronic illnesses: Hypertension and Diabetes, with prescribed medication that she is supposed to takes twice a day. A.T. is a full time cashier at Marshalls and lives in the Old Salem, the minority area of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A.T. lives with her three children and husband of five years. A.T. was married previous and had two sons N.W. and H. W. She is currently in the process of getting full custody of her two oldest sons. Her husband T.T. is a 39 year old Caucasian male who is 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 230 pounds. He is self-employed as an electrician. T.T. was in a four wheeler accident two years ago which lacerated his spleen. T.T. had surgery to remove his spleen. He takes daily medications to prevent serious infection. T.T. smokes one pack of cigarettes a day sometime in the home and outside. N.W. is 12 year old male who does not like school, but enjoys baseball and hunting. He has a comprehension learning disability and has an IEP with the school system to assist with learning needs. N.W. is in middle school. His school starts at 6:45 am which mean N.W. has to be on the bus at 5:50 am because the middle school is a 20 minutes from the family’s home. H.W. is a 9 year old male. He enjoys school and spending time with his family and friends. E. T. is the family’s five year old daughter who is in kindergarten at a title one school. E.T. has asthma which is controlled by Singular and Albuterol inhaler. E.T. also has a speech delay and receives speech therapist twice a week at school. The T family currently lives in a 1950 one story 1000 square foot house with a basement. The family remodeled the basement to make two bedrooms, therefore, the home has four small bedroom and two bathrooms. A.T. dislikes the way the home was placed on the property. She feels she has no privacy because both homes to her right and left are extremely close. A. T. also  would like a larger driveway due to having to park on the street and a larger backyard. The family feels safe in their community due to community watch by neighbors and the police patrol the area often. A. T. and T. T. has no family that lives near but has numerous friends. A.T. enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with family. A.T. and T.T. drink socially. A.T. and T.T. does not exercise often. A.T. said that she has not been to a primary care provider in over three years and admitted that the whole family does not go to their primary care provider unless they are sick or needs medication refills. A.T. said that she uses meditation and relaxation techniques to handle stressful situations. The family eats fast food three times a week. Watson’s theory of caring is the foundation for professional nursing (Simourd, 2013). Watson’s theory of human caring focus on the human aspects of nursing as it relates to scientific knowledge and nursing practice (Simourd, 2013). Her theory focused on promoting health, preventing illnesses, caring for the sick and restoring health (Simourd, 2013). Watson’s theory promotes nurse and patient interaction but focuses on developing a caring relationship. Caring for patients promotes growth and caring environment which promotes healing. Watson believed that holistic health care is central to the practice of caring in nursing (Nursing Theory, 2013). Many of the Watson’s carative factors are helpful for community health nurses. Several carative factors focus on the nurse’s part of the caring relationship in clarifying values to the clients (Nursing Theory, 2013). Understanding one’s self and being sensitive to others is as important in caring for the community as individuals. Community caring occurs within a helping-trusting relationship and is directed toward protecting and enhancing the self-esteem of other (Nursing Theory, 2013). Watson’s theory is connected to community health through it focus of promoting health, preventing illnesses, and restoring health. One nursing diagnoses for the T family is Nutrition, Altered: Imbalance more than body requirement related to increasing BMI for both parents and the children. Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator related to this nursing diagnosis is Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (Healthy  People 2020, 2013). One nursing intervention related to the nursing diagnosis includes providing education to the family about appropriate calorie intake, the need to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, the importance to reduce sugar intake among the children, and to reduce fast food. Another nursing intervention is connecting the family with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health for nutrition classes and cooking class that is offered through Cooperative Extension Service. A third nursing intervention is to discuss and implement an exercise plan with the family that includes at least one hour of vigorous exercise each day as tolerated. Good nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight are essential parts of a person’s overall health and well-being (Healthy People 2020, 2013). The second nursing diagnoses for the T family is Ineffective Health Maintenance related to insufficient knowledge about the detrimental effects of active and passive smoking. Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator related to this nursing diagnosis is tobacco (Healthy People 2020, 2013). One nursing intervention is to provide education to T.T. about the effects of secondhand smoke and provide education to T.T. about smoking outside and not around the family (Wang, Hu, & Lam, 2011). Second nursing intervention is to provide education on cessations and identify triggers that increase tobacco usage (Wang, Hu, & Lam, 2011). A third nursing intervention is to provide T.T. information to QuitlineNC which provides free cessation service to any North Carolina resident who needs assistance quitting tobacco use (OuitlineNC.com, 2014). The QuitlineNC information is provided through the Forsyth County Department of Public Health. Tobacco use is one of the most single preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States (Healthy People 2020, 2013). Tobacco usage is one of the United States deadliest and most costly public health challenges (Healthy People 2020, 2013). The third nursing diagnosis for the T family is Ineffective Health Maintenance related to limited use of primary care provider. One nursing intervention is to provide education about the value and need for regular preventive visits with a primary care provider for the family. Second nursing intervention is to assist the entire family in obtaining a primary care provider appointment for each member of the family and remind the family of the appointments that are scheduled. A third nursing intervention is assessing the barriers related to reason the family is  inconsistent with primary care visits. Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicator related to this nursing diagnosis is Access to Health Services (Healthy People 2020, 2013). Increasing access and providing information about routine medical care is one essential step in improving the health of all Americans (Healthy People 2020, 2013). There are a few legal and ethical considerations in the community of Winston-Salem. The homes within the city are built close to each other. Homes close together may have been completed so that contractors could maximum the number of homes within the city. In doing so, this has violated the resident’s privacy and sense of space. A solution for this concern is that the city of Winston-Salem provides each resident with a privacy fence around the property. Another legal and ethical consideration in the community is that the City of Winston-Salem fire department is limiting the number of emergency medical calls due to an increase in fuel amounts and usage. The residents’ concerns continue to rise due to the limited number of ambulances and personal. Solutions to this concern is to have the Winston-Salem Fire Department start back running medical calls with Emergency Services or to increase the number of paramedics and ambulance within the community. A third legal and ethical consideration for the community of Winston-Salem is banning cigarette smoke on and around County property, the local hospitals, and the property of the school system. Secondhand smoke is as dangerous as first hand smoke. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer and heart-disease for non-smokers. A solution for this concern is for the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to advocate to the county commissioners to ban cigarette smoke on and around county property, local hospitals, and school systems. I will advocate and provide case management services for the T family. I will explain options for access to care and explain the importance of playing an active role in their healthcare. T.T. has no spleen, therefore, it is vital for him to use services within the community to prevent disease and maintain compliance with medications. E.T. has asthma; it is a chronic condition that requires frequent monitoring and education. Medications can be expensive and it is important that E.T. stays compliant with her  healthcare. A.T. works full time receiving minimum wage and T.T. attempts to work as much as possible but is not guaranteed hours or money which can be stressful for the family. I am committed to assisting the family with community resources. A.T. and T.T. can use services at the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Southside United Health Center, or Community Care Clinic for primary care related to medical and dental due to having no insurance. The T family health will be affected by secondhand smoke at home and in the community. E.T. suffers from asthma; therefore, the secondhand smoke can trigger asthma exacerbation. E.T. must carry her Albuterol inhaler at all times. T.T. has no spleen; therefore, he has an increased risk for infection. A.T. has hypertension that can lead to heart problems such as CHF and MI. Stress can elevate the blood pressure and cause serious health issues. Stressors for A.T. are the well-being of her children, an attempt to get full custody of her two sons, her children learning concerns, and financial concerns. It is important that A.T. monitor her blood pressure at least daily and to check her blood sugar three times a day before each meal. A.T. needs to keep a log of the values. Due to A.T.’s chronic condition her role as mother and primary caregiver could change at any time. A.T. and T.T. are reluctant in allowing the whole family to receive flu vaccination. A.T. is against the vaccination because of the negative feedback she has heard about the Flu vaccination. She explained that the reason she was reluctant to the vaccination, stating that she heard the vaccination was a live virus, therefore, she feels the family would get the flu. My belief was different from A.T. because I am aware that the flu vaccination is an inactive form of the virus that is injected into individuals, to allow the body to build up immunity. I explained the reason the flu vaccination is needed each year and A.T. stated that she would get the family their flu vaccination this fall (Oppel, 2012). I explained to A.T. that the Forsyth County Department of Public Health can provide more education on the need of the vaccination and can administer the vaccination free to the family. Education for this family will include healthy eating habits, daily exercise regimen, smoking cessation, the effects of second hand smoke, health management, and health access. Resources available to  this family are Forsyth County Department of Public, Community Care Clinic, Southside United Health Care center, and QuitlineNC. These resources were chosen because the family displayed and verbalized needs for education.

Humanism and the Renaissance + Protestant Reformation Essay

The later Middle Ages is characterized as a time of great transition and advancement, especially pertaining to areas of politics, economics, art and intellect. A new trend towards the pursuit of new knowledge and ideas first emerged in fifteenth century Renaissance Italy. This new area of intellect marks the emergence of humanism, which essentially came to be the defining characteristic leading up to the Scientific Revolution in the eighteenth century. The Protestant Reformation can be seen as the second catalyst to the Scientific Revolution, which occurred around the turn of the fifteenth century. It was the combination of the expansion of humanism first witnessed during the Renaissance creating the desire for knowledge, greater meaning and ultimate truths, with the power gained on part of the individual during the Protestant Reformation allowing for the pursuit of these new questions and ideas which, at the time, opposed existing knowledge that was universally accepted to be true; this combination ultimately culminated in the methods, principles, knowledge and foundations realized during the Scientific Revolution. The Renaissance is a seen a distinct period of time emerging in the beginning of the fifteenth century, immediately following what is now termed the Middle Ages. First manifesting itself in Italy, it is considered â€Å"a period which witnessed transition from the medieval to the modern age, that is to say, the latter part of the fifteenth and the beginning of the sixteenth century† (Bishop, 130).[i] Renaissance literally means â€Å"rebirth,† referring to the rebirth of antiquity, or Greco-Roman civilization. Prior to this, â€Å"the advanced knowledge of the natural world possessed by the ancient Greeks meant little to the Romans, and for a long time that knowledge went into decline,† – this is, until now (Henry, 557).[ii] Many aspects of life were greatly impacted, including areas of politics, economics, art and intellect. This new outlook sparked the initiation of a movement toward greater education. Education was seen as the key to living a prosperous and fulfilled life. In particular, the importance of liberal studies was widely agreed upon. Several key events during this time allowed for the spread of knowledge, creating the â€Å"beckoning toward wider horizons† (Buttimer, 11).[iii] For example, the invention of the printing press encouraged the printing of books, which culminated in scholarly research. Additionally, there was a greater availability to the lay people than ever before; previously, there was simply no access to such information. A historian describes this occurrence: â€Å"alien tongues and races have been drawn together, and have learned once again to understand each other’s speech, and to enter into each other’s thought† (Bishop, 131).[iv] Intellect and education began bringing people together who otherwise would not have ever circulated his or her new ideas and thoughts. Some individuals in particular are credited with the fact that â€Å"the reforms enacted were substantial. At an increasing number of Northern universities, Greek became a regular subject and specialists were hired to teach it. Old Textbooks †¦ were abandoned after having been used for centuries and were replaced with products of humanism† (Nauert, 429).[v] Among the individuals most recognized for their impact on this time in history exists Desiderius Erasmus. Inarguably, Erasmus can be seen as a perfect demonstration of a humanist. â€Å"Erasmus was before all else a scholar and a humanist. He was filled with a genuine enthusiasm for learning† (Bishop, 137).[vi] It was this motivated spirit that drove the culmination of the humanistic movement. Intellect and scholarly research was greatly dedicated to religion. Erasmus â€Å"insisted that the dialectic method of the academic theologians had produced a theological science that concentrated on trivial, abstruse questions of little or no real value to the needs of the church† (Nauert, 431).[vii] This argument became the basis for much of Erasmus’ highly esteemed, accredited work; he was â€Å"determined to defend [his] status as orthodox Catholic† (Nauert, 431).[viii] Soon, modern humanists greatest opposition was the church. Many criticized Erasmus, believing that he â€Å"lacked theological training and hence had neither a legal nor an intellectual right to speak and publish on questions involving theology and the Bible† (Nauert, 431).[ix] Until this point in my discussion thus far, not much opposition has been mentioned. It is very important and essential to note that this new topic of new knowledge created extreme amounts of tension, ultimately culminating in the Protestant Reformation. At the same as scholars such as Erasmus, Bacon and Galileo emerged, â€Å"scholastic theologians arrogantly sat back and issued condemnations,† which greatly hindered the advancement of intellect (Nauert, 431).[x] Clearly established thus far was the recently renewed desire for new knowledge; in response, many new education establishments received great support and ideas began to circulate. In order for the continuing and pursuit of the ever evolving goals of humanists, there needed to be some change that would allow for this. This is one contributing factor to Erasmus’ dedication to reforming the church. Conflicts among humanists and scholars â€Å"reflect[ed] a disharmony that is fundamental,† and furthermore came to define â€Å"the dispute over academic competency and ‘exacerbation of the debate during the Reformation’ as the two forces† behind the matter (Nauert, 432).[xi] By this point in time it was seen as a necessity that religion be transformed. Among several attempts throughout history, â€Å"the Protestant Reformation is the only attempt that was successfully institutionalized† (Bellah, 369).[xii] So much work thus far had been the foundational truth: â€Å"scholastic philosophers and theologians spent long years acquiring the skills of dialectical argumentation and familiarity with the opinions of the past authorities, both ancient and medieval† (Nauert, 433).[xiii] It would take great influence to override these criticisms, but Erasmus laid the foundation for Martin Luther. â€Å"Erasmus’ pains were those of a delicate body and a sensitive and intellectual mind, amid surrounds which were uncongenial and indeed fatal to any humane culture† (Bishop, 135).[xiv] Whereas this was so, â€Å"Luther’s misery arose from the pains and travail of his moral nature in his endeavor to find peace with God† (Bishop, 135).[xv] For, it was â€Å"out of these throes of conscience a great religious movement was to be born† (Bishop, 135).[xvi] It was the combination of the significant influence witnessed having been imparted by Erasmus and Martin Luther that finally instigated the long time coming Protestant Reformation. The Protestant Reformation was the main event occurring during the Renaissance that allowed for the institutionalizing of knowledge and new ways of obtaining and exploring it. The defining characteristic concerning the Protestant Reformation is â€Å"the collapse of the hierarchical structuring of both this and the other world† (Bellah, 368).[xvii] It was the leadership of modern intellectuals, or humanists, such as Erasmus and Luther that proved to be a catalyst to the movement: â€Å"Luther by a spiritual declaration of independence in which he boldly cast off, once and forever the ecclesiastical authority of Rome† (Bellah, 370).[xviii] It was the consistency marked by the motivation of the ever evolving humanists, with the newly found sense of confidence toward the ability to influence society that culminated in the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution. â€Å"During the late Middle Ages ,the application of natural philosophy logic to theology transformed it into an analytic discipline. The extraordinary nature of this transformation is manifested when we see the kinds of questions that were routinely discussed in the average theological treatise.†[xix] The humanists’ demands for answers and unceasing attitudes at the time finally paid off. Prior to the Protestant Revolution, the many attempts of humanists to voice their opinion and freely explore their new interests without having to fear the authorities. Historians have â€Å"emphasized human attitudes and values† in this fight for intellectual freedom† (Buttimer, 5).[xx] The Protestant Reformation as a continuation of the beginnings of the humanism movement paved the way for the Scientific Revolution. â€Å"Before science could have reached the stage it did in the seventeenth century, there had to be a widespread use of reason and reasoned analysis. The medieval universities supplied the intellectual context for all of Western Europe. They developed a new approach to nature† (Grant, 420).[xxi] The new religious organization allowed for intellectuals and humanists of the time to truly pursue their ideas that were in opposition to previously existing knowledge that had been universally accepted as being true. Overall this culmination of the split between Church and State, the power granted to the individual due to the Protestant Reformation, and the defining characteristics of humanism during the Renaissance were the leading factors in the birth of the Scientific Revolution. Intellectuals in the seventeenth century soon came to view the world and universe as never before. For example, it was now known that rather than existing in an earth-centered universe, they were in fact living in a sun-centered universe. Famous figures in history existing at this time continued the already established tradition, and were able to impart great influence. These figures include, but are not limited to, Galileo, Francis Bacon, Rene Descartes, and Isaac Newton. There emerged a shift from thinking the abstract, such subjects that previous philosophers had once been dedicated to, to pondering and experimenting the physical world around them. Prior to this time, Aristotle, Galen and Ptolemy were relied on for foundations concerning the fields of physics, medicine, and astronomy. Just as there were certain individuals and movements that laid the foundations previously, there are also those researchers who were responsible for the carrying on of life into the Scientific Revolution. â€Å"It remained for Galileo, however, to apply the mean speed theorem to the motion of real falling bodies and to devise and experiment to determine if bodies really fall with uniform acceleration. Thus began the new science of mechanics and the beginnings of modern physics† (Grant, 421).[xxii] Before Galileo was even able to begin his investigations concerning the previous, it was essential that the events and transformations during the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries occurred. More modern discoveries attributed to the seventeenth century and furthermore during the Enlightenment, would have been seriously delayed had this transformation not occurred. People were finally granted the power, and discovered a new found sense of confidence when it came to the pursuit of new kn owledge and ideas. If it had not been for this fight, individuals like Galileo would have had this job to do themselves. It is important to note that the culmination of the Scientific Revolution did â€Å"originate with the great scientific minds of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, from the likes of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton† (Grant, 421).[xxiii] Furthermore, this historian in particular states that â€Å"although it is possible to insist that the full-blown concept of intertia did not appear before Newton, there can be no denying that Galileo, Pierre Gassendi, and Descartes played a role in opposing the Aristotelian concept that everything that moves must be continuously moved by something else and in suggesting instead that once something was moving perhaps it might simply carry on moving until something else stopped it† (Henry, 554).[xxiv] Several important foundations for the study of nature, and in general life at its core, were products of the Renaissance, Protestant Reformation, and ultimately the Scientific Revolution. If it were not for the perseverance of humanists, and their sense of devotion, the advancements included in the Scientific Revolution may have not come for some time down the road. One of the most important outcomes that is still used as a basis today for scientific experimentation is the scientific method. â€Å"The scientific method is such that, whatever the weaknesses of human endeavor, scientific truths will steadily emerge and will come to be recognized and established as a matter of inevitability† (Henry, 555).[xxv] In a way, Henry’s definition of the scientific method can be seen as already applying to the transformation that created it. ———————– ENDNOTES: [i] Bishop, W. S. B. (1906). The sewanee review. Erasmus,14(2), 129-148. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27530759 [ii] Henry, J. H. (2008). Isis. Ideology, Inevitability, and the Scientific Revolution, 99(3), 552-559. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/591713 [iii] â€Å"Geography, Humanism, and Global Concern.† Anne Buttimer. Annals of the Association of American Geographers , Vol. 80, No. 1 (Mar., 1990), pp. 1-33. [iv] Bishop, W. S. B. (1906). The Sewanee review. Erasmus,14(2), 129-148. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27530759 [v] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 . [vi] Bishop, W. S. B. (1906). The Sewanee review. Erasmus,14(2), 129-148. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27530759 [vii] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 . [viii] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 [ix] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 [x] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 [xi] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 [xii] Bellah, R. N. B. (1964). American sociological review.Religious Evolution, 29(3), 358-374. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2091480 [xiii] Nauert, C. G. N. (1998). The sixteenth century journal.Humanism as Method: Roots of Conflict with the Scholastics , 29(2), 427-438. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544524 [xiv] â€Å"Bishop, W. S. B. (1906). The sewanee review. Erasmus,14(2), 129-148. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27530759 [xv] Bishop, W. S. B. (1906). The sewanee review. Erasmus,14(2), 129-148. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27530759 [xvi] Bishop, W. S. B. (1906). The sewanee review. Erasmus,14(2), 129-148. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27530759 [xvii] Bellah, R. N. B. (1964). American sociological review.Religious Evolution, 29(3), 358-374. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2091480 [xviii] Bellah, R. N. B. (1964). American sociological review.Religious Evolution, 29(3), 358-374. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2091480 [xix] Grant, E. G. (2004). Scientific Imagination in the Middle Ages.

Japanese Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Japanese Economy - Essay Example An important indicator of that achievement is that Japan continues to be the only non-western nation to have had the ambition of ruling the world and the only non-western country to have implemented a policy of attempting to subjugate the whole world in modern history. Japanese economy has been described as a success in 1980s but the decade of the 1990s was a lost decade. However, data indicate that situation may have to be more accurately described. For instance, in Figure 1, we see that if gross domestic product or GDP per capita figures are not adjusted for inflation, it would appear that Japanese economy appears to be alright until the mid-1990s. However, beginning in the mid-1990s, the Japanese economy appeared to have plunged downward and started to recover sometime at the beginning of the 21st century, if not for the Fukushima nuclear and tsunami disasters of 2011. Figure 1 is a graph from the website of the Intellectual Takeout while Figure 2 is my own reconstruction of Japan’s GDP in $ at current prices based on data set of the International Monetary Fund. At least for Japan, the insight that can be obtained based on the GDP per capita in $ is that the key insight that can be developed from Figure 1 is correct: Japanese economy was on a steady rise from 1980 to around 1995 but nose-dived before slowly recovering upward. Figure 3 compare the GDP per capita in current US$ of select countries and compare them with Japan. It is worth noting that Figure 3 suggests that in terms of GDP per capita, the overall context is that Japan still belongs to the bigger league of strong nations although Japan has been weaker in the last several years. In contrast, China may be a big economy (and some report the economy as the second biggest economy) but in GDP per capita dollar terms, the citizens of Japan appear to be in a better situation than China. Meanwhile, the key insight that can be derived from Figure 4 is that globally, the

Article Review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Article Review - Research Paper Example Choosing this specific forensic discipline is because there are significant flaws in the justice system that needs repair. Many innocent people end up in prisons unfairly. There is no sufficient evidence to put them behind bars. It requires the government to act because they have a duty to protect the citizens. There are cases where inmates commit suicide. It is against the constitution for a person to take away his life. There are people who bear the blame for the suicides of the inmates. The common reason is convicting them for the wrong reason. The government always arrest people who involve themselves in drug abuse. To correct the criminal system, the government should categorise drugs as a national problem rather than a crime. According to (Lozoff, 2013), there are many drug inmates in prisons. The best idea is for the government to consider taking these inmates to a rehabilitation centre. Furthermore, making drugs a health problem is the main solution rather it being a justice problem. According to statistics, 62% of inmates are in prisons because of drug related issues. The drug problem is too complex for the government to tackle. It is common with the rich people. They have the necessary resources to bribe the law enforcers. In the end, the problem will never cease. The government has to find the cause of the drug problem. There are many reasons like poverty, loneliness, level of economy, etc. The government should address these issues. The lawmakers should change the laws concerning drugs. It will clean the justice system becoming efficient. It is important to separate serious offenders from petty offenders. It will create violent scenes in the prisons. Furthermore, it will make the non-violent prisoners turn to be violent. The state allocates resources to correct inmates behaviour. It will be a loss to the taxpayers money if the inmates learn bad behaviour

Subscription Television Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Subscription Television - Research Paper Example Other technological devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, TV and modern tablets are also becoming key direct competitors (Nikolinakos 67). The second level of competitors includes product category competitors which prove to be more specific. These include basic cable, on demand internet television, satellite television, which comprises of either a dish or a direct TV and finally, video on demand such as VUDU (Cohen 78). The third category of the key competitors comprises of generic competitors such as movies, theatres, online gaming, online plays, videos and concerts. The direct competitors offer clients subscriptions to a desirable number of television channels and unlimited content such as movies. This is the case with streaming video subscriptions. Theses streaming subscriptions have proven to be primary competitors to subscription television considering they offer their clients a diverse range of content which is not limited to television shows. This is likely to make them a preference over subscription television. This has been the case in the recent past as streaming video subscriptions have registered a remarkable percentage of sales. Evidently, the likes of Netflix and Hulu have proved to be primary competitors to subscription television because of the package they offer to clients. In the case of specific competitors, the potential of basic cable television and satellite television, which do not pose subscriptions to the users, offer a measurable level of competition (Grimme 64). These are highly accessible through antennae and may prove to be a preferable choice for some users depending on their television needs. With the increasing access to the internet, a remarkable percentage of the population prefers to watch their favourable television channels online as long as they have an internet connection. With the cheap packages of internet connection, these

E-Business- Transforming Customer Contact into Revenue Essay

E-Business- Transforming Customer Contact into Revenue - Essay Example This will just not suffice in today's selling world. One-time sales will generate revenue and help attain monthly targets, but what then E-Business is revolutionizing commerce. With transfer of data at one's fingertips, it's imperative for business houses to maintain customer database for the present and future development of business. Over the decade, business houses shifted their focus from automating back-office operations to customer relations. This move could be seen as a move in the right direction. This helps improve retention of customer database considerably and most importantly, these 'point solutions' add tactical value by encouraging customers to use this feature through the internet to make purchases1. Selling-Chain Management helps both the salesman and prospective customers identify their needs; it covers all aspects of a process-cycle, right from a customer's initial inquiry to delivery. Such powerful software thus helps minimize expenses in a relative term and improve profits. This paper takes a look e-Business solutions can help realtors transform customer contacts into revenue. 'Point Solutions' refers to details available at any point of time to a salesperson in negotiating with a customer. Product and price lists, inventory to advice on product availability and deliveries, will clear the way for better objection handling and doubts to close a business deal. An important feature of e-business is that every aspect of the sales process is considered critical to obtain a successful order. Internet Relationship Management (IRM), a personalized sales platform does just that. It assists in servicing potential customers as an interactive module, and deriving revenue. How does this happen IRM acts as the front-office of a company. IRM is interactive software that has provisions for free e-mail, discussion boards, and up-to-date product content2. As a realtor, IRM could address questions normally put up by customers regarding sales and mortgage of property, project development cost and time, structural features and so on. A customer who can avail all required info rmation through such software will undoubtedly be impressed and order. Legal opinions, blue-prints, property purchase and lease agreements, mortgage details and price listing will help make a customer more than confident of making a firm decision. Also the fact that the internet helps reduce process time will benefit the realtor in concluding sales early and efficiently. 4.0 Conclusion An important aspect of a sale is identifying customer needs. A customer's requirement is a prerequisite in a successful sale. IRM is essentially a sales platform that allows customers to log in to a company's website and retrieve valuable information that may be not available with sales staff. IRM allows customers the benefit of addressing their queries directly to the respective heads of departments, thus eliciting valid and genuine information. This task reduces uncertainties and customers find it easier to take decisions. However, an important aspect of e-Business is that, all information available on the website must be kept up-to-date and the system must be user-friendly. 5.0 References 1. Dr. Ravi Kalakota & Marcia Robinson, Identifying the Problem: Disconnected Front-Office Systems, Page 2-3, e-Business 2.0, Roadmap for Success,

Children and Advertisement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Children and Advertisement - Essay Example The advertisers target the children in their advertisement since they are the most likely to change and adopt the corporations ideologies. Companies and large advertising agents seek to create a future investment by influencing the children today without considering some of the effects they pose to these children. Changing a child’s perspective today means that the child will be oriented into buying the said product in the future and has a minimum chance to be influenced by the then advertisements. The paper will deliberate on the effects caused by television advertisements to children. The paper will reference children as a term to represent all those below the age of eighteen years. The first effect attributed to watching commercials on the television is being persuaded to seek the product. Dittmann (2014) states that children tend to recall most of the ad’s content following a single exposure to the commercial. These commercials increase a child’s desire to possess the advertised product without considering the limitations and the challenges associated with the acquisition. Commercials incorporate psychological research to make them more compelling and convincing (Dittmann, 2014). Through the use of doublespeak, these advertisements persuade the children that they ought to have the product and an easy way to achieve their goal is to nag the parent. Doublespeak is the deliberate use of language that disguises the actual meaning (Lutz, 1997). Advertisers have adopted the use of doublespeak in their commercials to mask their intent and persuade children into acquiring these products. Lutz (1997) states that advertisers use words to show product superiority even when the products are of equal quality to the competitors’. For example, advertisers gloss over the competition’s disadvantages that certain products present through the manner in which they

Research on China's real estate housing price Paper

On China's real estate housing price - Research Paper Example Marketing research statistics that were taken in the past five years indicate that in the property market, role of pricing mechanism is to balance purchase and the rates of selling. In this study, we are attempting to examine the determinants of the housing prices in China, with a particular focus on the monetary variables. There are three main concerns, which motivate this study. These are the exploration of the general relationship that exists between the pricing of houses and the monetary policy, even though the Chinese experience might not be ideal. We also feel that it is important to use the non-linear modeling concept known as NARMAX that selects forms and lags structures in an automatic manner for the individual explanatory variables. Lastly, the study hopes to draw some essential policy implications for the housing prices management in China. BACKGROUND/HYPOTHESIS A fall in the housing prices that started in the year 2007 ultimately resulted to the worst economic recession a nd financial crisis in the world in nearly eight decades, or eighty years. However, underscoring this important debate is the more complex academic question regarding the relationship between asset price and monetary policy. The maintenance of price stability is largely considered to be the most fundamental monetary policy’s goal. In this framework, the price stability is usually defined as the consumer price index’s stability. In the years ensuing to the world financial crisis, the China experienced a period of fast growth in her Gross Domestic Product with modest consumer price index inflation. Thus, there was no need for the government to increase the rates of interest or even tightening the liquidity conditions. Since the global crisis, we find that there has been rising recognition among policymakers and economists that it is important that the central banks monitor asset prices together with the prices of goods. However, it is still not clear whether it is feasib le for the formal incorporation of asset prices into the objective function of monetary policy. Nevertheless, even if this is possible, it is quite difficult to control the asset prices as compared to the regulation of the prices of goods. In trying to establish real estate pricing in China, it is therefore important to consider answering the following question: What is the effect of monetary policy on asset prices? What are the determinants of real estate pricing in China? What are the trends in the house pricing in China? ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY/ LITERATURE REVIEW Hongli Z. 2011. The Relationship of House Price Rising Rate and GDP Growth Rate. Mason, OH, Cengage Learning. In this context it is well illustrated that the development of the real estate industry is very important to the people`s livelihood and the national economy. The real estate regulation is very significant content of the microeconomic regulation and it is also invariably controversial. The regulation of house pric e such as controlling the house price`s rising extent within the normal range is a Key to real estate regulation1. According to the calculations of the target range in house price regulation, the house price growth rate/GDP should be controlled within {- 0.31, 0.86} among the first-tier cities and [-0.42, 1.17] among the second inter-cities. China has made real estate regu

The World Is Flat Executive Summary Essay Example for Free

The World Is Flat Executive Summary Essay The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman is best described as an expos © of the realities of the present day business world and of the effects that certain advances in technology as well as political upheavals have had on capitalism during the past three decades. The flattening of the world is a metaphor used to describe an increasing interconnectivity among the citizens of the world. This increase in interconnectivity is ascribed to several events such as the fall of the Berlin wall, and most prominently, the advent of the internet. The point is stressed that for companies to survive in todays environment, they must keep pace with the constant advances in technology that are making previous ways of doing business no longer competitive. It is also noted that it is becoming less important that a company be subservient to a particular nation state. Outsourcing to countries where labour is cheaper such as India, will save companies money, establish business practices in foreign countries, and, ironically, produce better results. As a result we are left with he same capitalism as before, but Just a different (and ever changing), and much wider playing field. Its shocking to learn how backward the United States of America has become. To think that the country responsible for setting the pace of modern day capitalism has been able to educate its population so poorly is a troubling reflection of our value system. To quote the text, In China today, Bill Gates is Britney Spears. In America today, Britney Spears is Britney Spears and that is our problem. America is no longer motivated. Our youth have become lazy underachievers who will certainly be left at the bottom of the food chain where the upper rungs will be occupied by todays hardest workers who come from todays poorest countries. That is of course unless Americans have a drastic change in mentality. Unfortunately, I believe what will happen is that as a nation we will end up underpaid (or simply paid what we are worth) or unemployed. Essentially, being Ame rican is no longer a valuable thing. We are becoming worthless. As a nation we are apathetic to issues that are most mportant to the survival of our country; instead, we would prefer to focus our energies on fguring out how much pot Lindsey Lohan smokes and whether such and such a celebrity beats his wife or not. It is because of this media induced epidemic that I foresee an increasingly slimmer portion of the US population benefiting from globalization. The rest I see as being indefinitely underpaid if paid at all. The most important lesson to take away from this book is the importance of hard work. Also, it is very important to realize how to benefit, in business, from this hanging world and to adapt as quickly as possible to its parameters. It is those who are best equipped to adapt that will be able to stay afloat financially. The importance of networking also cannot be overlooked. Not only is networking in general going to be more and more important; with whom you network, and how you communicate with each other could make the difference between a successful business and a failure. Those who plan to adapt the best must establish vast and purposeful networks. Furthermore, in business we have to continue think globally, and we have o think about long term benefits. In America we have trouble thinking beyond the snort term. ts probably not uncommon to tind a businessman trom the other side of the world whose long term goals include the prosperity of generations underneath him, In America people increasingly dont even have their own prosperity in mind. So not only is it time to take into consideration our own prosperity, but it is also time to ensure that the generations that succeed us will also have the ability to prosper. Eric Snoddy

Samsung Vs Nokia Finacial Analysis Critical Evaluation Marketing Essay

Samsung Vs Nokia Finacial Analysis Critical Evaluation Marketing Essay In todays era of digital there are companies drifted towards the digital technology. The company Samsung has made his position in the market by themselves and now days recognised as the most innovative and good quality brand in the sector of electronic industry. The Samsung follow the policy of we will devote out human resources and technologies to create superior products and services thereby contributing a better global society. In this assignment there is financial analysis of the Samsung Company in relation to the last five years summary. The various aspects are discussed critically in this assignment work. In addition to this there is comparison of the Samsung Company with respect to the Nokia Company a big rival of the Samsung Company in the market. There is comparison of the financial positions of both of the companies to make the differentiation between their strategies so they in future they can be benefited by this. The Samsung Company is famous company in the area of electronic industry. This company was established in 1969 in Taegu, Korea. The founder of this company was Byung Chull Lee. At the very first time the company has started business with the manufacturing of Black and White TVs. At the early period of time the company was at the steady growth and after the end of year 2004 the company has got about the sale of  £52 billion and has assets about  £38 Billion. At this time the company had employed approximately 113 thousand at the worldwide. In this year the company got the competitive advantage too as it go ahead to its competitive rivals like Kodak, Philips, and Panasonic etc. (Barney and Hesterly, 2008, PC-2 -1). At that time the company involved in the manufacturing of TVs, Computers and Av equipments, Mobile Phones, Networking Equipments, LCD Screens, Notebook computers, Laptops, HDTVs , Washing Machines and other electronic equipments etc. (Barney and Hesterly, 2008, PC-2 -6) . According to the company the success they achieved is purely depend on their contribution that how they manage their company in an effective way by considering the things like contribution to society and mutual prosperity at the worldwide level among the people. The chairman of the company has told that the group of Samsung always guide their employees to pat emphasise over the efficiency and design of the products. Under the observation of the formal chairman the company able to attain the leading position in the electronic market (Barney and Hesterly, 2008, PC-2 -6). In relation to this the below diagram has shown the organisational structure of the company. Source- Samsung 2008 (www.samsung.com) Financial Analysis of the Company (Samsung) The Samsung is continued to grow and gain profit in the market at high rate. From the financial statement of the last five years of the company has clearly showed that how the company is on the track of the progress. From year 2005 to 2010 there is increase in the net profit of the company. For the year 2005 the company has gained the profit with 31 % but in the next year it was decreased by 1 % and become 30% then for the coming consecutive years there is decrease as that was recession period but still in recession it made the profit of 28% in both 2007 and 2008. For the further improvement in next year of 2009 there is total gross profit is by 33.5 % and fro the next and present year of 2010 the company has the highest profit of 35.3 % as a gross profit of the company. From the financial statement given in the appendixes it is clear that the company has got the improvement in last five years. Till year 2010 there is total assets of the company are 125,677 billion as Korean KRW. Source http://www.corporateinformation.com/Company-Snapshot.aspx?cusip=C410P0400 Ratio Analysis of the company Samsung The following table show the ratios for the company over last five years. The different ratios find in the table are ROE in which there are ratios of Profitability, assets turnover ratio and leverages are included and there is average ration of ROE is given. For the next there is Debt/ equity ratio for the five years followed by the Net debt/equity ratio and in the last column there is total earnings per share are given. ROE = NPM * TAT * A/E = ROA * A/E Financial Ratios 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 ROE 19.6 17.7 14.3 9.3 17.5 22.5 Profitability (Net Income/Sales) 0.09 0.09 0.08 0.05 0.08 0.11 Asset Turnover (Sales/Asset) 1.12 1.10 1.13 1.22 1.50 1.32 Leverage (Asset/Equity) 1.84 1.74 1.68 1.67 1.53 1.54 Debt /Equity 39.5 30.2 25.9 27.7 12.9 12.9 Net Debt/Equity 15.3 9.8 4.8 6.5 -15.7 -12.6 Earnings per share KRW 149,969 52,880 49,502 37,684 20,731 28,842 The ratios are calculated from the balance sheet and income statements for the last five years of the company. The ratios calculated are shown in the following table for the years 2005-2010. Introduction to Nokia The company Nokia has started in year 1856 at the banks of Nokianvirta River. The company at that time is major force in the industry. After that it undergoes merger with Cable Company to enter into the market of electronic by the name of Nokia Corporation. The new company successfully entered into the market and play a pioneering role in the area of mobile communications. Due to the globalisation the company soon grow at fast pace and there is good position attained by the company. The most strategic decision taken by the company was in 1992 that to concentrate on the telecommunication business only. At present the Nokia Corporation  is engaged in the business of communication and manufacturing of the mobile. This company is at the number one position in the market. The company had over 123000 employees at present working in the company. The company has its roots in 120 countries of the world. The annual sale of the company is 41 Euro billion and has profit about 1.2 euro Billion as on the year of 2009. This company is recognised as the worlds largest manufacturer of mobile phones and even it provides the navigation system too in addition. The market shares of the company was 30% of the global market in the third quarter of year 2010 operating profit of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1.2 billion as of 2009. It is the worlds largest manufacturer of  mobile telephones: its global device  market share  was 30% in the third quarter 2010, but this value is less than to year 2009 when it was 34 %. The Nokia is continuing to growing by introducing advance technology according to the global need s of the society and market. Financial analysis of Nokia For the financial analysis of Nokia there is consideration of the annual statements for the last five years of Nokia and also there is consideration of the balance sheet of the Nokia for the last five years from 2005- 2009. The following table is formulated for the explanation purpose to analyse the financial position of the company. Financial years 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 Fixed Assets 12 125 15 112 8 305 4 031 3 501 Current assets 23 613 24 470 29 294 18 586 18 951 Total equity 14 749 16 510 17 338 12 060 12 514 Long term liabilities 5 801 2 717 1 286 396 268 Current liabilities 15 188 20 355 18 976 10 161 9 670 Total Assets 35738 39582 37599 22617 22452 Ration Analysis of Nokia The following table shows the ratio analysis of the company on the bases of above table which represents the overall financial statement of the company. Ratio analysis 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 ROE Profitability Net profit margin 6.5 2.92 0.63 7.5 9.79 7.86 53.5 15.64 14.11 35.5 13.35 10.47 27.1 13.57 10.58 Equity ratio 41.9 42.3 46.7 54.0 56.4 Net Debt/Equity Return on Assets -25 0.73 -14 10.08 -62 19.16 -69 19.04 -77 16.22 From above table of ratios it has been seen that there is deterioration in the ROE ratios from 2007 to 2008 and from 2008 to 2009. There is also deterioration in the ROA ratio with the same pace. Comparison of Nokia and Samsung The both companies are reputed companies in the mobile sector. The Nokia is leading than the Samsung Company. At present the nokia is number one company but there is deterioration in the sales of the company and even in the ratios of the company if it continues it will be hard for the company to compete with its rivals. On the other hand the company Samsung is continue to grow. There is continue growth has seen in the company. As from the financial analysis of the company and the ratios calculated it has seen that at present the company has raised itself from the 15th position to the 5th position and this is milestone in the history of telecommunication industry. The company is continuing on this track to progress. The following presentation shows the comparison between these two companies. Nokia 2009 Samsung 2009 Position in Market 1st 5th Operating income ( 1716) 8973 Net profit 0.63 % 15.4% From above table it is clear that Samsung is making profit regularly. On the other hand there is continues deterioration in the Nokia from last four consecutive years. Vendor 1Q10 Unit Shipments 1Q10 Market Share 1Q09 Unit Shipments 1Q09 Market Share Year-over-year Change 1. Nokia 107.8 36.6% 93.2 38.4% 15.7% 2. Samsung 64.3 21.8% 45.9 18.9% 40.1% Source http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/6470/worldwide-mobile-phone-market-grows-22/ Conclusion From the above report it is concluded that the financial analysis is very important for the companies in every field. This is useful in find out the level of company and moreover this is useful in having comparison with the other companies so that for the future welfare possible steps should be taken. The financial analysis make the company knows about the finance they have to spend and where they need to spend this. This even gives the evaluation for the profit and loss for the company.

Compulsory and Voluntary Voting Policies in Democracy

Compulsory and Voluntary Voting Policies in Democracy The right to a free and fair vote is a staple in the democratic process. However, there is debate over whether or not this process is best implemented when the population has the choice to engage in the political system or whether or not it should be mandated.[1] Many people claim that the best system to follow is the one that they are a part of, however in countries where different voting policies are implemented; there is empirical data that can be used to determine whether compulsory voting or voluntary voting produces better results and whether it tends to enhance the quality of democracy. Yet many people will still argue that just analyzing empirical data is not enough to determine whether or not compulsory voting more democratic due to intrinsic reasons. Both of these approaches make it difficult to discern whether or not compulsory voting is more democratically favourable however upon analysis of the two different voting systems, I have found that the arguments that oppose com pulsory voting are not substantive enough to discredit the evidence as to why it does improve upon the essence of democracy. That is why in this essay I argue that compulsory voting does enhance the quality of democracy. What does it mean to enhance the quality of democracy and what is the importance of determining how to advance it? Democracy, at its most basic definition, means the rule by the people. When analyzing the quality of democracy of a state, what is being analyzed is how well the citizens of that state (the people) are represented in the policies that are passed. If the democratic representatives of the government pass laws that a majority of the people in the state do not want, then the quality of democracy is poor. It is not the people that are ruling in this case, but rather the elite few. The issue of compulsory versus voluntary voting is a very relevant issue in todays day and age because a lot of people are disenfranchised by politics. People lose faith in their political system because they feel like they are not being represented. This in turn leads to a less politically active society which is not concerned by the issues that affect them and then often times their lives are made worse due to their lack of input in the policies that are passed. This circular downwards spiral further alienates people and future voters, demonstrating the need for maximizing representation in democratic political systems. The quality of the system cannot be improved until the people are represented to the nations fullest potential. When analyzing which voting system would be the best to implement in order to enhance democracy, it is important to evaluate societies where these different voting styles are implemented. The American voting system is an ideal case study when considering the effects of voluntary voting. The United States and its citizens pride themselves on being a shining example of freedom and democracy. To many people across the world, it has become synonymous with the idea of a perfect democratic system which all other nations strive to achieve. However statistically, the vast majority of citizens in the United States are very poorly represented by their democratic government[2]. For example, a study done by Princeton and Northwestern Universities found that on economic policies, the policy preferences of the average citizen only get implemented less than 20% of the time while the policies preferred by business interests and economic elites are implemented the vast majority of the time, demonstra ting how the median citizen or median voter at the heart of theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy does not do well when put up against economic elites and organized interest groups[3]. This in turn leads to the main flaw with the voluntary voting system. People refuse to be involved in the democratic process because they lose faith in their representatives. This in turn leads to worse social and economic situations for the majority of citizens in the state. The United States is a prime example of this. The United States has a relatively low election turnout rate, ranking 22nd in the modern world.[4] The United States is also has the highest total global personal wealth yet 80.56% of that wealth resides among the top few.[5] In fact, more than three quarters of all Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck.[6] With a voluntary voting system, the American government tends to leave the people behind in favour big money interests. A defining argument in favour of compulsory votin g is that compulsory voting will alleviate the socio-economic inequalities in a society because if everyone voices which policies they want to see implemented into their law, then the politicians will be severely pressured into pushing for those policies if they wish to stay elected, and hence policies that benefit the majority of the people will be implemented.[7] Americans and others who believe in that voluntary voting is more beneficial than compulsory voting will refute this claim by stating that if you force non-politically active citizens to vote, you cannot infer that they will vote in their own interests because they would not have a good understanding on who to vote for to implement their ideas.[8] They claim that people who would stay home and not vote in a voluntary system would just vote arbitrarily in a compulsory system. The flaw with this objection is that it assumes that everyone who doesnt vote does so because they have absolutely zero interest in voting. There are many reasons that people do not vote in a voluntary system other than being apolitical. For example, voting could be a large enough inconvenience for so poorer people so they decide to stay home.[9] People also choose not to vote even though they have policy opinions because they believe their vote is just one in a million so it doesnt make a difference and furthermore could just lack the motivation to express vote.[10] If all these people were pressured to vote, the elected representatives would better represent the views of the overall population and democracy would be enhanced. Australias voting system is the antithesis of Americas. If you are over 18, it is your legal duty to register to vote and to go the polls. Failure to do this will result in a fine and a potential day in court.[11] This form of pressure is meant to increase the participation levels in elections and better represent the will of the public. Multiple studies have been done checking if this theory translates to real world policy and they all come to the same conclusion: [Compulsory voting] can increase the salience of elections and make voting more rational and meaningful and it can enhance and protect such values as representativeness, legitimacy and political equality. It also has the potential to break the counterproductive cycle of low efficacy, alienation, non-participation and state neglect that has led to an increasingly moribund political culture.[12] The studies found that compulsory voting remedied one of the biggest problems with voluntary voting which is the Socio-economic status voting gap.[13] When observing the history of Australias voting population before the compulsory voting law was passed, it was revealed that turnout disproportionally represented those in higher socio-economic status while many people who were in a lower economic status abstained from voting for a various amount of reasons.[14] Many people who argue in favour of voluntary voting disagree with the idea that the socio-economic status voting gap should be addressed by compulsory voting because they claim that if peoples lives were already very burdensome so much so that they didnt vote when they had the opportunity because it was so inconvenient, then there shouldnt be a law that inconveniences them further by forcing them to vote.[15] The problem with this argument is that it misses the fact that peoples lives became less burdensome because of them bein g represented in their system[16], and so compulsory voting was for their own good, and hence the quality of democracy improved. When evaluating whether or not compulsory voting enhances democracy, people who  support voluntary voting say that simply analyzing statistics is not enough. They claim that a reflection must be done on whether compulsory voting is right by the fundamental nature of democracy. One of the aspects in measuring the legitimacy of democracy is checking if there is A free and independent citizenry[17]. This means that the public has absolute freedom of speech and a right to protest, demonstrate, and preach with dissent from the government. The argument then comes up that abstention from voting is a form of expression, and therefore any attempt to remove this democratic right would be dictatorial and would actually be diminishing democracy, not enhancing it.[18] However, this claim is refuted by the idea of the social contract. The social contract is the pillar upon which authority is given legitimacy in a democratic state. By choosing to live in a democratic system, the collective is obl igated to contribute to certain areas of society. As with paying taxes and jury duty, compulsory voting is just another duty that the citizens of a state are obligated to comply with under the social contract. Since the social contract is the strongest case made for accepting authority in a democracy, then having compulsory voting as a citizen duty would not tarnish the quality of a democracy because it would seen as legitimate. In countries like Australia where compulsory voting has become the status-quo, it is not thought of as dictatorial or tyrannical in anyway.[19] It has become a culturally accepted norm. However, countries where this idea is viewed as taboo would view this as an attack on freedom. A case study by Lisa Hill on Americas low voter turnout found that the idea of being compelled to vote is anathema to many Americans and it would undoubtedly meet with vigorous resistance on a number of fronts.[20] Unless there is a cultural shift that would allow the assimilation o f these kinds of new ideas, compelling people to vote could possibly weaken the quality of democracy in countries like America because their citizenry would have a difficult time integrating it into their established system. However, there are ways to remedy these rejections of policy. Hill explains that methods that have been approached to improve public acceptance of compulsory voting were to clarify existing requirements, give the people optional preferential voting, and to expand the voters option for political expressions. The objections to implementing compulsory voting are rooted in status-quo biases and are under the assumption that it is not possible to change the cultural views of citizens on policies which have not been adapted yet. These objections falls flat due to these policies being implemented into other countries successfully through smart execution plans and therefore it has increased the quality of democracy, not decreased it. Compulsory voting enhances the quality of democracy because it provides a better representation the needs of all the people in society. When analyzing a country without compulsory voting such as America, it is found that the views of the people are not what is represented by the policies that end up being passed because a large majority of the people who tend to be lower class do not engage in their political system. However, in a country that does have compulsory voting such as Australia, the socio-economic status voting gap is greatly diminished and the policies that end up being passed are more representative of what the people want. Many common objections to compulsory voting are that it is burdensome and it decreases freedom. These objections do not hold up because in countries where it is implemented, the system ends up benefitting more people and becomes culturally accepted to the point where it does not become an issue. Therefore, compulsory voting does end up producing bette r results and improves the quality of democracy. Bibliography Beck, Katie. Australia election: Why is voting compulsory? BBC News, August 27, 2013. DeSilver, Drew. U.S. voter turnout trails most developed countries. Pew Research Center, August 02, 2016. Gilens, Martin, and Benjamin I. Page. Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens. Perspectives on Politics 12, no. 3 (2014): 564-581. Heywood, Andrew. Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014. Sathel, Trevor. Pros and Cons: A Debaters Handbook. London: Routledge. 1999. Hill, Lisa. Compulsory Voting in Australia: A Basis for a Best Practice Regime. Federal Law Review 32 (2004): 479-497, http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/fedlr32div=30g_sent=1collection=journals Hill, Lisa. Low Voter Turnout in the United States Journal of Theoretical Politics 18(2): 207-232, http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0951629806061868 Hill, Lisa. Public Acceptance of Compulsory Voting: Explaining the Australian Case. Representation 46:4 (2010): 425-438http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00344893.2010.518089 Johnson, Angela . 76% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. CNNMoney, June 24, 2013. Martin Gilens, and Benjamin I. Page. Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens. Perspectives on Politics 12, no. 3 (2014), 564-581. Sherman, Erik. America is the richest, and most unequal, nation. Fortune, September 30, 2015. [1] Trevor Sathel, Pros and Cons: A Debaters Handbook (London: Routledge, 1999), 75. [2] Martin Gilens, and Benjamin I. Page. Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens. Perspectives on Politics 12, no. 3 (2014), 570-577. [3] Gilens and Page, Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.572-573. [4] Drew DeSilver, U.S. voter turnout trails most developed countries. Pew Research Center, August 02, 2016. [5] Erik Sherman, America is the richest, and most unequal, nation. Fortune, September 30, 2015. [6] Angela Johnson, 76% of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck. CNNMoney, June 24, 2013. [7] Gilens and Page, Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.565. [8] Gilens and Page, Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.566. [9] Gilens and Page, Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.565. [10] Gilens and Page, Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.565. [11] Katie Beck, Australia election: Why is voting compulsory? BBC News, August 27, 2013. [12] Lisa Hill, Low Voter Turnout in the United States Journal of Theoretical Politics 18(2): 228. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0951629806061868 [13] Lisa Hill, Compulsory Voting in Australia: A Basis for a Best Practice Regime. Federal Law Review 32 (2004): 480, http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/fedlr32div=30g_sent=1collection=journals [14] Hill, Compulsory Voting in Australia: A Basis for a Best Practice Regime. 480. [15] Sathel, Pros and Cons: A Debaters Handbook, 75. [16] Hill, Compulsory Voting in Australia: A Basis for a Best Practice Regime. 497. [17] Andrew Heywood, Politics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014), 86. [18] Sathel, Pros and Cons: A Debaters Handbook, 75. [19] Lisa Hill, Public Acceptance of Compulsory Voting: Explaining the Australian Case. Representation 46:4 (2010), 429, http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00344893.2010.518089 [20] Lisa Hill, Low Voter Turnout in the United States, 228.

The Rite Of Manhood Essay -- All the Pretty Horses Maturity Essays

The Rite Of Manhood At some point in childhood, most people consider running away, most for a few days but, in some cases, forever. Many causes influence a child to run away, including fights, abuse, and unhappiness. In All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, two boys run away into the Wild West to find a life you can only read about. Though they can never find this perfect place, the journey itself is extraordinary. The reader is taken on a ride that entails danger, love, and, ultimately, self discovery. This ride has rite of passage written all over it. The novel builds and destroys a surreal adventure that describes the transition from boyhood to manhood. The novel describes the transition of John Grady from a surreal, inocuous youth to a real and painful manhood. The reoccurring theme of John Grady’s rite of passage begins with a simple conversation between father and son, a relationship in which the unsophisticated, young boy looks up to a figure of superiority. The youth of this boy is first illustrated by a conversation between the two in which John Grady’s father says, â€Å"When I come around askin you what I’m supposed to do you’ll know you’re big enough to tell me.† (McCarthy, 8) The inferiority and youth of this boy in the shadow of his father is clear here. This can also be seen when John Grady asks if he can run the ranch and his mother says, â€Å"you’re sixteen years old, you can’t run a ranch.† (McCarthy, 15) This is particularly intriguing because we are introduced to his bright, ambitious character which is only marginalized by his age. These early indications of John Grady’s youth set up a motive for running away. He is not getting the respect or recognition he feels he deserves. The latter quotation is in fact... ...at last seeing the harsh reality of the world and not the fairytale he was used to. It is unfortunate that he flung himself wholeheartedly into his adulthood because he now has to face the painful realization that youth is a gift which protects those innocent ‘heart[s]’ from a world of troubles. John Grady’s heart was not that lucky. It craved the surreal adventure and got more than a spoonful of life. In All the Pretty Horses, John Grady’s passage to manhood is symbolized by a surreal adventure that is destroyed in the end by the harsh reality of this manhood. At first it does not seem possible that John Grady could mature so quickly but the reader definitely sees him shed his happy, boyish nature by the end of the novel. And though this seems sad, it doesn’t truly matter because the lessons learned on this journey were more important than the journey itself.

Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org Essay -- Computers Software Techno

Microsoft Office vs. OpenOffice.org According to Microsoft.com, a new version of Microsoft Office 2003 will normally cost anywhere between $400 - $500, depending on which version you get. While Microsoft also has a $150 â€Å"Student and Teacher Edition† which is the same at the $400 Standard Edition, most people do not qualify for that version, and even for those that do, $150 can still be a lot of money, especially for a student, and $400 is much more than most people would want to spend simply to type a document occasionally. These prices seem even more extreme in light of the fact that there are many free alternatives to Microsoft Office. One of the most popular and well known alternatives is OpenOffice.org, which is usually called just OpenOffice or OO. I am going to be discussing whether OO really is comparable to Microsoft Office for the average user. I'm am not going to try to show that OO is a better office suite than Office, because if you ignore the money issue, Office really is an ex cellent collection of programs that have set the standard for office suites in general. All I am going to be looking at is whether OO really has the most of the same capabilities as Office, and is comparable in it's ease of use as well. The word processor is probably the most important application to look at when comparing the two suites. Microsoft's word processor is called Word, and OO's is called Writer. These two programs are very similar in what they are able to do, and it's hard to tell much difference between the two at first glance. If a user is accustomed to Word, Writer has a very familiar look to it, and so a user new to Writer should have no problem jumping right into the program without havin... ...slide at all. That is not to say that Impress is incapable of creating custom animations, it is just that it has troubles displaying the animations from a PowerPoint file. Since the animations could be a big part of a presentation, trying to transfer PowerPoint files over to Impress files can be a lot of work. If the user does not have to transfer files, and can instead create them from scratch in Impress, there is little difference between the two programs capabilities. As we've seen, although there are some big differences between OpenOffice.org and Microsoft Office, both offer the same basic functionality to casual users who might not use some of the more complex features. Coupled with the fact that OpenOffice.org is free, and Microsoft Office can cost anywhere from $150 - $500, it seems clear that OpenOffice.org is a good choice for most people.

The Grieving of the White Mistress

I did not know what time it was. I was still in my bed and comfortably tucked in my sheets. Everything is still, no chirping of the birds and no squeaks from the squirrels.Only the whispers of the winds that hustled against the glass windows broke the overwhelming silence. The fire is burning at the fireplace and I could smell the wood burning. But no matter how thick my flannel pajamas are layered with my thermal, I could not help myself from shivering.My eyes were still closed but my brain was already conscious. Apparently, my down covers have fallen from my bed. As I tried to reach for it I saw through my bedroom window that it was already snowing. It was the first day of snow of the year, and it was magnificent.It was the day before Thanksgiving. The crimson leaves of the deciduous trees that line our street have completely fallen. From the warmth of my house, I watched the outside world welcome the coldest season of the year.As if barren, only the green colored pine trees contra sted the landscape of white covered grounds. Six inches thick of snow has cloaked the earth with its solemn beauty. Like minute specks of dust falling gently, ice fell as if God is chistling from the heavens above. The velvety white gleamed and reflected the light that penetrated through the dark clouds in the horizons.The skies seem so heavy, as if heaven and earth are reaching for each other's bosom. Pavements are drenched with melted snow and rooftops are laid with perfect veil of white against the smokes of chimney. Such a picturesque piece of land, such life in this dark and cold weather.After a rose from my bed I took my robe from the edge of my bed and wore my winter slippers. I hurried to the kitchen where I found my Mom mixing hot chocolate on the stove. She poured the black thick liquid on a mug decorated with Old St. Nicholas' portrait sleeping on a rocking chair.I added sprinkles of marshmallows and settled myself on the stool by the nook. I smelled the sweet savory flav or evaporating and smiled at my Mom with content. I love winter mornings, all the peace that envelops the earth lets me contemplate through the depths of my long sleeping soul.I went to the bathroom to take a shower. When I turned the knob and the waters started to gently lather my flesh, the hot waters steamed and misted the smoked windows.   It is a very relaxing feeling to find yourself so warm in this extremely frosted environment. After I finished, I put on my winter attire.I have prepared several pieces of clothing to prudently warm me through different layers. I wore my black colored thermal covering the entire lengths of my arms and legs and wrapping my body's torso. Its smooth texture was a comfort to my skin. Then I continued with my dark blue turtle neck fleece sweater and I slid into a pair of straight cut denim jeans.I took my knee length winter boots made of camel colored suede with flat soles, wore them on my feet and slipped on my black down jacket that extends to my waist.I took my beret and placed it on my head and I warmed my hands with a pair of gray colored and knitted gloves. I finished off with with a long scarf that matches my mittens, wrapped it on my neck and stepped out of our front door.The cold winds gently brushed through my face and softly blew my hair. A distinct chill rushed through my veins which immediately made my shoulders tremble a little.I smelled the air and found myself smiling as I understood that pumpkin pies are being baked at our neighbor's oven. Its sweet flavor entered my nose and I heartily enjoyed its scent. I saw my friend living next door, she is already outside playing with the snow. I saw her lying on the ground repeatedly swaying her arms and feet upwards and downwards.I realized that she is making a snow angel, as if a lass in the midst of a fairly land. I ran towards her and leaped next to her and made my own childhood memories come to life. The earth was soft and cold and I just stared at the skies wit h a sigh.Winter days are beautiful, they have their own charm and endearing beauty. Though most of the world seems to be barren and lifeless, it still holds a promise of rejuvenation. Nights may be longer than days, but the darkness retires our spirit and refreshes our sousls.

Continuing Case: Cory and Tisha Dumont Essay

1.Using the earnings multiple approach would result in the following life insurance calculations for Cory and Tisha. Cory’s needs= $38,000 x (1 – 0.22) x 12.46 = $369,314 Tisha’s needs= $46,000 x (1 – 0.22) x 12.46 = $447,065 Cory currently has $76,000 (2 x $38,000) of term life insurance through his employer. Consequently, Cory should consider purchasing approximately $293,000 of additional life insurance coverage. Tisha has $69,000 of term insurance through her employer, as well as a whole life policy of $50,000. She should consider purchasing an additional $328,000 of life insurance coverage ($447,065 – $119,000). While Tisha or Cory would continue to earn their salaries, if widowed, and would receive some Social Security benefits, they would experience a significant reduction in their standard of living without adequate life insurance. 2. The Dumonts, and Cory in particular, take a big risk when their life insurance is entirely in the hands of their employers. If Cory or Tisha leave their jobs, their group term coverage ends. However, they may be able to convert the group coverage to an individual policy. Since the Dumonts need additional life insurance, they should purchase individual policies to supplement the coverage they have. This will reduce the risk of later becoming uninsurable or, if they were to lose their jobs, having no life insurance at all. 3.At their stage in the life cycle, term insurance is the best option for the Dumonts. It provides the greatest amount of insurance per premium dollar. Universal and variable life policies both include cash value components, through earnings from interest or mutual funds, respectively, which increase the cost of insurance coverage. These policies also tend to have high insurance, investment and administrative expenses, which add to their cost. The option to skip the premium payment on universal life or a  variable universal life may prove too tempting, as it does for many policyholders, who subsequently let the policy lapse. The Dumonts would be well advised to purchase affordable term insurance and do their saving/investing outside of their insurance policies. 4. The life insurance policy features that should be explained to the Dumonts include: ï‚ · Type of policy: term or cash value. The Dumonts’ policies provided at work are group term insurance policies available for the duration of their employment. Tisha also has a whole life policy (cash value insurance) with $1,800 of accumulated cash value. ï‚ · Nonforfeiture clause (on Tisha’s whole life policy): options for receiving a policy’s cash value, a paid-up whole life policy with a reduced face value, or a paid-up term policy with the original policy face amount in exchange for ending the policy. The Dumonts could exercise this right if they are unable to pay the annual premiums to continue the coverage for an extended period of time. ï‚ · Beneficiary designation: persons named as primary and contingent beneficiaries to receive the death benefits from the policy. ï‚ · Coverage grace period: automatic extension, usually 30 to 31 days after a premium payme nt is due, before a policy lapses. The premium may be paid without penalty. ï‚ · Loan clause: (on Tisha’s whole life policy) describes procedures and the interest rate charged for borrowing against the policy’s cash value. ï‚ · Suicide clause: clause stating that the face amount of the policy will not be paid for a suicide death within 2 years of the purchase of a policy. ï‚ · Incontestability clause: clause stating that the insurance company cannot dispute the validity of a contract after it has been in force for a specific period, usually 2 years. ï‚ · Settlement options: section that describes alternative ways that the beneficiaries of a life insurance policy can choose to receive death benefits. ï‚ · Riders: special provisions added to a policy that either provide extra benefits or limit the insurance company’s liability. Riders attached to one or more of the Dumonts’ policies could include: guaranteed insurability, multiple indemnity, COLA, waiver of premium for disabili ty, or living benefits. 5. Life insurance is meant to provide funds to replace a breadwinner’s to protect and support dependents. Chad and Haley are dependents, not income providers. Therefore, the purchase of life insurance is unnecessary and not recommended. The Dumonts should use the money they would spend on policies for the children to increase their own coverage. The claim that Chad and Haley would always be insured is only relevant if (1) the Dumonts continue the premium payments and (2) there is a high probability, based on family health history, that Chad or Haley will contract cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Otherwise, they will be eligible for insurance in the future and there is no need for â€Å"permanent† coverage starting at this young age. 6. As a â€Å"comprehensive major medical insurance policy,† the Dumonts’ coverage includes basic health insurance for hospital, surgical, and physician expense needs, as well as major medical expense coverage. The latter is very important to extend the basic coverage to protect the Dumonts from the financial effects of a catastrophic illness or accident. The policy has a very adequate lifetime cap of $3,000,000 per insured. The Dumonts should continually analyze the health plans from both employers to determine which offers the best overall plan. But, the annual coinsurance, stop-loss amount, and family deductible, are all standard policy features with reasonable amounts. They are currently paying annual premiums of $2,700 for the coverage, but the monthly opt out fee, from Cory’s employer, effectively reduces this by $1,020 (less the taxes paid on the increased income). Overall, their health care coverage is very cost effective, so no changes are recommended. 7.The Dumonts have four options for paying a $5,000 medical bill incurred through an auto accident, including payment by: Health insurance. Medical expense coverage with their auto insurance.  Bodily injury liability coverage on an auto policy, assuming someone else was at fault for the accident. Personal funds, or out-of-pocket. These funds would supplement the health insurance coverage, or be the only source of payment, should the Dumonts not have health insurance. Luckily, they do. Expenses for an emergency appendectomy would be covered through health  insurance and personal funds. Assuming no one else has made a claim this year, Tisha’s health insurance would pay $3,600: the $5,000 medical bill minus the $500 deductible and the $900 of co-insurance (0.20 x $4,500). Tisha would be responsible for the $1,400 of deductible and co-pay expenses because the Dumonts’ out-of-pocket expenses for the year have not yet exceeded the $5,000 stop-loss limit. 8. Advantages for the Dumonts of switching to an HMO include: regular physical examinations and preventive care, minimized paperwork, and lower costs. Tisha may be able to reduce the $225 monthly premium charged for her current coverage. Disadvantages associated with an HMO focus on concerns about quality of care stemming from the incentive system—quick, cursory services and the difficulty in receiving a referral, particularly outside the geographic region. Some fear the system does not allow for building a trusting relationship with a well-qualified physician. Restrictions on physician choices and the associated level of reimbursement vary with the HMO system: individual practice association, group practice plan, or a point-of-service plan. The Dumonts need to thoroughly comparison shop the plans; Checklist 9.2, Choosing an HMO, should be helpful. If Tisha switches to a PPO, costs and paperwork may also be reduced. Members, typically representing an employer group, receive health care at a reduced cost—with the negotiating power of the group determining the level of discount. The disadvantage of a PPO is that participants must seek medical services from participating doctors and hospitals, thereby limiting their choice of care. With a PPO, a participant can go to a non-member doctor but must pay an additional, or penalty, co-payment to do so. 9.Assuming Tisha works for an employer with 20 or more employees, she is eligible—under the federal COBRA law—to continue health insurance coverage for 18 to 36 months, depending on the reason for leaving the company. Tisha would be responsible for the full cost of coverage, but it may be less expensive than an individual policy. Although this does not apply to every â€Å"opting out† situation, the Dumonts also have the option of enrolling for Cory’s health coverage. According to the Health Insurance Portability and  Accountability Act of 1996, employees and their dependents must be allowed special enrollment rights, beyond the open-enrollment period, (1) if they declined coverage because of coverage through another plan or (2) if their family situation changes (e.g., marriage, birth, adoption). The former situation applies to the Dumonts, so if Tisha loses her family medical coverage, the Dumonts could enroll on Cory’s plan. To insure protection from preexisting condition exclusions, it would be important that the Dumonts arrange for continuous enrollment, with no breaks or lapses between policies. Should Tisha decide to become a self-employed accountant, the Dumonts would have another option besides Cory’s coverage. The household would be eligible for a high deductible health plan and a Health Savings Account (HSA). Access to a HSA is limited to the self-employed, small business owners, employers of small to medium-sized businesses that offer very limited health benefits, and those under age 65 who individually pay for health care—all of whom must have a qualified high-deductible health plan. The combination is cost effective because high-deductible plans have lower premiums and annual HSA contributions (limits apply) are an adjustment to income, so the funds are not taxed and they grow tax-deferred, and tax free, if spent according to the HSA rules. The HSA funds accumulate for paying health care costs incurred prior to meeting the annual deductible or for health care expenses not covered by the high-deductible health plan. Funds not spent remain in the account for future expenses, such as for health expenses after retirement or long-term care expenses. 10. Disability insurance policy features that Cory and Tisha should purchase include: ï‚ · Definition of disability: Tisha and Cory should look for a policy that provides coverage if they can’t perform the duties of their current occupations (i.e., accounting and retail management). ï‚ · Residual or partial payments benefits: this policy feature provides partial payments if they were disabled and unable to return to work full-time, but could return part-time. ï‚ · Benefit duration: the Dumonts should select policies that provide benefits until retirement age (e.g., 65) or for their lifetime. ï‚ · Waiting or elimination period: the Dumonts should select a realistic waiting  period (i.e. one to six months) during which they would have to â€Å"absorb† the income lost. They should consider their employer’s sick day policy (e.g., whether or not sick days can be accumulated) and emergency fund when selecting an elimination period. The longer the delay, t he lower the premium. ï‚ · Waiver of premium: this important provision waives premium payments if a policyholder becomes disabled. ï‚ · Noncancelable: this provision protects against both policy cancellation and future rate increases and guarantees that the policy is renewable. ï‚ · Rehabilitation coverage: this provision provides for employment-related educational or job-training programs. 11.The Dumont’s $25,000 HO-4 renter’s policy amount is probably sufficient given their estimated personal property value of $12,000. However, their property insurance coverage is inadequate for two major reasons: ï‚ · It lacks replacement cost coverage on personal property, which provides for the actual replacement cost of a stolen or destroyed item (e.g., stereo equipment). Currently, the $25,000 coverage is actual cash value, or coverage for the depreciated cost of property. ï‚ · It lacks a personal articles floater to increase the limit of coverage on Tisha’s $19,700 antique jewelry collection. To improve their coverage, Cory and Tisha should add a replacement cost rider and a personal articles floater to the existing HO-4 policy. Increasing the deductible could offset a premium increase. See the response to question 14 below for other cost saving ideas. 12.The Dumont’s auto insurance is inadequate because of its low liability limits. The 25/50/25 split liability and property damage limit is extremely low in relation to current medical, repair, and liability costs. The Dumonts should increase their liability limits to at least 100/300/50. Otherwise, they could be liable for judgments in excess of their current liability limits. Higher limits, such as 200/600/100, are also available. The Dumonts also have low uninsured motorist coverage limits. These, too, should be increased to a minimum of 100/300/50 to provide adequate protection against negligent drivers who carry no or inadequate liability coverage. The $20,000 of medical expense coverage is far lower than the recommended $50,000 of coverage per person. Assuming the Dumonts increase their  emergency fund or other savings, they should increase the $200 deductible amounts. 13.Cory and Tisha’s current auto insurance policy would pay $25,000 for bodily injury losses incurred by any one person hurt in the accident, a total of $50,000 for bodily injury losses incurred by all persons hurt in the accident, and $25,000 for property damage if they were judged to be at fault. In other words, these are maximum liability coverage limits. If the accident resulted in a total of $65,000 of bodily injury losses to more than one person, the Dumonts would be personally responsible for arranging payment for the remaining $15,000. However, if the $65,000 in bodily injury losses were incurred by only one individual, the Dumonts would be personally liable for $40,000. This coverage is not adequate; the Dumonts are risking their financial future in lieu of paying a slightly higher annual premium. 14.To reduce the cost of property and liability insurance, the Dumonts could: Make every effort to keep their insurance credit score high, to qualify for lower premium rates. Increase insurance deductibles (e.g., $200 to $500 or higher). ï‚ · Take advantage of multiple policy discounts (e.g., HO-4 and auto insurance with the same company). ï‚ · Pay insurance premiums less frequently (e.g., annually or semi-annually instead of monthly). ï‚ · Shop around and compare the costs of at least three insurance providers. ï‚ · Consider only high quality insurers, and possibly a direct writer. ï‚ · Install security systems or smoke detectors. ï‚ · Inquire about ANY other available discounts; these can vary significantly by company and may relate to the property (home or auto, such as fire-resistant building materials, auto passive restraints or anti-theft devices) or the characteristics of the policyholder (e.g., over age 50 or 55, noncommuter, or good student). ï‚ · Buy a car that is cheaper to insure and consider low â€Å"damageability† models; be sure to check insurance rates when auto shopping. ï‚ · Drive less (e.g., fewer miles, join a carpool) and improve driving records. ï‚ · Double check your policy to insure that all features and endorsements are included as planned; a claim could be costly that you  thought was covered, but was not because of an oversight in the policy. ï‚ · Include adequate liability insurance to avoid paying damage awards from personal assets or income. 15.When the Dumonts become homeowners, they should purchase an HO-3 policy. An HO-3 policy is the most comprehensive of available policies for homeowners because it covers losses to the structure from all perils except those that are specifically excluded. Typical excluded perils include flood, earthquake (supplemental coverage is available for both, if needed), war, and nuclear accident. Coverage on an HO-3 policy on the contents is limited to the named perils coverage provided in a broad, or HO-2 policy. The Dumonts should strongly consider adding personal property replacement cost coverage for their contents. The additional premium cost of 5 to 15 percent over the cost of a policy without this coverage is meager when compared to the increased level of reimbursement. Inflation guard and personal articles floaters—particularly for Tisha’s antique jewelry or any other items that exceed the value of the policy limits—should also be added. The minimum level of $100,000 of personal liability coverage is likely inadequate, and should be increased to $300,000 to $500,000. However, the Dumonts should review this relative to their individual situation (i.e., pets owned or other unique situations). Cory and Tisha should consult Checklist 10.2, A Checklist for Homeowner’s Insurance, when shopping. An umbrella policy extends the liability coverage of the auto and homeowner’s policies owned by the insured. An umbrella policy protects against large lawsuits and judgments associated with your home or auto. Umbrella policies do not cover activities with the intent to cause harm, activities with aircraft and some watercraft, and most business and professional activities. The latter require a separate policy. Typical limits range from $1 million to $10 million; the policy does not become effective until the limits of the underlying policies have been exhausted. As the Dumonts proceed through the life cycle and attain more wealth, they may want to consider a policy of this type. However, in the interim, a more cost effective alternative may be increasing their existing liability limits to $300,000 or $500,000.